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BEAUTY - no bs, save and splurge worthy items
107
items makeup, skincare, hair care & more - that I actually keep in rotation | moderate consumption edition
✨Pro tip: buy at stores that you can earn point for shopping like Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta. I am finding Amazon to be even more expensive than ...
Sections
7
Makeup
Skincare
Body Care
Hair
Travel
SPF
Makeup
A wonderful primer with SPF, could double as your main SPF on “makeup no makeup” days with a little powder and concealer
ciele cosmetics | Acne-Safe SPF Makeup
This mineral SPF tinted foundation gives truly a skin like finish.
ciele cosmetics | tint & PROTECT SPF 50+
The color biscuit is a wonderful shade for fair completions, not so cool it looks ashy but not too warm/orange either.
I get the mini size. They last forever and a little goes a long way!
Westman Atelier | Face Trace Cream Contour Stick
This is an easy to blend formula, very user friendly. My favorite shade is petal.
I get the mini size. They last forever and a little goes a long way!
Westman Atelier | Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
I use this as a bronzer and the Westman as a contour
Charlotte Tilbury | Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer
I never thought I would see the day I gave up shape tape. I find this concealer actually provides even more coverage. I do find it needs to be set with powder for best results.
My favorite setting powders are Elf and Giorgio Armani.
My winter sha...
Tarte | maracuja creaseless full coverage concealer
I use the color light pink.
Honestly might like this better now that Givenchy has reformulated the original PRISME LIBRE loose powder
e.l.f. Halo Glow Loose Setting Powder - 0.24oz
The OG formula of this was UNREAL I still like this but the elf one is just as good in my opinion.
Givenchy | PRISME LIBRE 4-COLOR LOOSE POWDER
This is my favorite pressed powder
Charlotte Tilbury | Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
A classic for me. I discovered this in college and haven’t looked back. I use the light on the daily and bronze when I have more of a tan
Physicians Formula | Butter Bronzer
The OG version of this was my go to for years. My more recent obsession is also a classic, NARS blush in color orgasm
Bare Minerals | Talc Free Powder Blush & Bronzer Blush
I use this over cream blush or on its own. I love the glow it gives without looking like highlighter
NARS | Blush - Orgasm
I don’t speak in absolutes often but this is literally the only eyeshadow pallet you need.
The formula is unmatched and the colors are perfect. No random shimmer or bold color that won’t be used. It is compact and won’t take up an entire drawer in y...
NATASHA DENONA | Original Mini Eye Sculpt Eyeshadow Palette
This is my second favorite behind a discontinued eyeliner. It does not transfer for my oily eyelid girlies
Tarte | double take eyeliner
I use this on my eyebrows and for flyaway hairs. It is not the strongest hold but it accomplishes what I need and feels weightless in my eye eyebrows.
MCoBeauty | Mini Hair & Brow Magic Wand
Tarte has my favorite brown mascara. I do love the ease of removing a tubing mascara.
tartelette™ tubing mascara
The applicator had two sides for different uses. This does not give me crazy length but it does a great job at separating my lashes. I like how natural it looks. This would be my holy grail if it came in a rich brown.
MERIT | Clean Lash Mascara
I should really gate keep these and I would if I didn’t already own every color.
These will a little gloss over them 👩🍳💋
COVERGIRL | Outlast Vegan Lip Stain
I should also gate keep this.
The color happy is my perfect nude. I love this over a lip stain for a subtle gloss or just on its own for a little color.
e.l.f. | Hydrating Core Lip Shine Makeup
Super sticky in the best way. It lasts forever. My favorite colors are Hot Toddy and Blushing Margarita
Buxom | Full-On Plumping Lip Cream
This is by far my favorite beauty tool. It’s an all in one for me with liquid and cream products
Real Techniques Makeupsaver Sponge
Skincare
The pump bottle makes use very easy. I prefer this to a balm. This formula does a good job of removing makeup and sunscreen but does not leave your skin feeling greasy.
Prequel | Pre-Gleanse Nourishing Oil Cleanser
I adore this cleanser. Admittedly I do not always do a double cleanse. If I am not using the prequel oil cleanser this one does a really good job of cleaning makeup on its own.
I use this one when my skin feels like it could use a gentle cleanse.
CeraVe | Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
This was previously called the “Hangover Rx pillow balm” I have repurchased no less than 20 times.
Original is my favorite, you can wear this on its own as a lip treatment or on top of color as a gloss.
It lasts extremely well on your lips. I do ...
Too Faced | Pillow Balm Hydrating Lip Treatment - original
I use these on clean, DAMP skin using hypochlorous acid. Do not use other exfoliants on the same night. This is your exfoliation.
Face Razor
Prequel | Universal Skin Facial Solution Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Make sure to let this one sit on your skin for a few minutes to see best results!
CeraVe | Renewing SA (Salicylic Acid) Cleanser
A wonderful exfoliating cleanser. I alternate this with the CeraVe SA cleanser
Skinmedica | AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
I also enjoy the skin better alpharet peel pads. These are on sale through more often than skin-better products.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
The DDG peel pads I can only tolerate once a week right now. I also alternate my tret. On nights that I am not using tret or DDG pad I use these or the silkyshark pads
medicube | Zero Pore Pad
These are very affordable and I like them a lot. They have a high concentration of glycolic acid.
The DDG peel pads I can only tolerate once a week right now. I also alternate my tret. On nights that I am not using tret or DDG pad I use these or the...
Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Pads 10% + 2%
Honorable mention to these!
They have both AHAs and BHA
5% glycolic acid, 2% salicylic acid, 5% lactic acid
I like these as well but only purchase on sale. The two of the other pads in my list are more affordable.
DRMTLGY | TINGL® Exfoliating Pads
I LOVE these. The wood is more durable than a traditional hand fan. I repurchased several times. I use this for skin care between steps to help everything dry down faster.
I also keep one in my car and one in my purse for warm days.
3 PCS Wooden Folding Fans Vintage Sandalwood
There is also a 10% if you are just getting started with vitamin C. This dries down very well and does not leave my skin feeling oily like other vitamin C serums I have tried. I prefer this pump bottle to a dropper style.
Timeless | 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
If you are going to invest in an eye cream this is the one! My favorite affordable eye cream is from Timeless
Neocutis LUMIÈRE FIRM RICHE Extra Moisturizing Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream (0.5 fl. oz.)
I use this at night only. It does not perform well under makeup.
Timeless Skin Care Hydrating Eye Cream
Honorable mention to inn beauty eye creams. I like both and they are mid range in price. Also worth mentioning, they are refillable!
Inn Beauty Project | Extreme Cream Eye
Honorable mention to inn beauty eye creams. I like both and they are mid range in price. Also worth mentioning, they are refillable!
This one does pair well under makeup!
Inn Beauty Project | Bright & Tight Eye Cream
Expensive but worth it
Allies of Skin | Multi Peptides & GF (Growth Factor) Advanced Lifting Serum 7ml
This is such a power house acne fighting product
Allies of Skin | Azelaic and Kojic Advanced Clarifying Serum
I cannot get enough of the peptides
Medik8 | Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
This is literally so expensive but they have the research to back it up!
OS-01 FACE Topical Supplement
There are several different strengths available. I find strength #3 to be gentle enough for my neck and chest.
I use tretinoin for my face.
Medik8 | Crystal Retinal 3 Serum
This is a great light weight moisturizer for face and or body. I have used it both day and night on my face without any issues under makeup or clogging pores
CeraVe | Daily Moisturizing Face and Body Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin
My favorite affordable facial moisturizer. I use this mainly in the winter or when my skin is feeling very dehydrated.
CeraVe | Skin Renewing Night Cream Face Moisturizer
My favorite moisturizer! Inn beauty project products are so underrated.
Inn Beauty Project | Extreme Cream Refillable Moisturizer Firming & Lifting Skincare
Obsessed with this, prescription needed.
I will never buy grande lash again, the results are just not comparable.
LATISSE®
Mineral sunscreens are tough. I don’t hate this one
Prequel | Mineral SPF 50 PA++++ Facial Treatment - SPF 50
Admittedly I pick at blemishes. This helps to minimize the damage from that. I used to use Neosporin in the same way.
This also comes in a color correcting green version that turns a skin shade. In my opinion, it oxidizes.
So I just use this morni...
Hero Cosmetics | Rescue Balm
I use this after vitamin C for an antioxidant boost and additional anti-aging benefits
Coenzyme Q10 Serum - Timeless Skin Care
Honestly idk if this does anything but it’s affordable and I don’t mind using on my neck, chest, and hands liberally.
It also smells like a spa. I enjoy the experience of using.
DR.PEPTI Peptide Volume Master Essence Serum
I can’t link anything here because it is a prescription. I have worked my way up to a 0.1% for my face.
I use a milder retinol for my neck and chest.
Tretinoin (topical route) - Side effects & dosage
I would describe this as light and slippery. It feels very hydrating on the skin.
Vitamin B5 Serum
These are Lifesavers I have bought cheap ones off of Amazon and these are just so much better! I don’t buy the original anymore. I just buy this one and wear them day or night.
Hero Mighty Patch Invisible
Even if these don’t do anything, they keep me from picking up my face so lifesavers either way
Hero Mighty Patch Micropoint for Blemishes
Body Care
In my opinion fresh and cozy is the best scent. I am not a sweet lover. This one is light but elegant. The formula is gentle on my sensitive skin.
eos Shea Better Cashmere Body Wash - Fresh & Cozy - 16 fl oz
I also love this shower oil in the fresh and cozy scent. I enjoy the extra moisture this gives.
eos Cashmere Shave Oil - Fresh and Cozy - 6 fl oz
This stuff really is worth the hype.
OSEA | Undaria Algae® Body Oil I Non-Greasy Moisturizing Oil
Also worth the hype but pricey. Nivea lotions are one of my favorite affordable alternatives
OSEA | Undaria Algae™ Body Butter Anti-Aging Moisturizer
I have not tried the new formulation but the 48 hr moisture version was fabulous. Deeply moisturizing and quick drying.
NIVEA | Essentially Enriched Body Lotion for Dry Skin
This is my favorite scented lotion. It is light and elegant. It reminds me of the glossier you fragrance.
Flamingo | Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Random, but one of my favorite body care items. I mainly use this on my feet the 40% urea does a fabulous job softening skin.
I will also use this on other dry areas of my skin as needed.
OUKEYA | Urea Cream 40%, Foot & Hand Cream for Dry Cracked Skin Relief, Urea Lotion for Feet, 5.29 oz
I prefer the men’s but there is a women’s version too. This one does not have a strong masculine smell.
I tried the aluminum free life…can’t do it.
Degree | Men Ultraclear Black + White Fresh 72-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant
This is the women’s version, I prefer the men’s.
I tried the aluminum free life…can’t do it.
Degree | Ultraclear Black + White Pure Rain 72-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant
When I want to use a clear gel this is my go to. I tried the aluminum free life…can’t do it.
Mitchum Women's Triple Odor Protection Antiperspirant & Deodorant Gel - Shower Fresh - 3.4oz/2pk
I think this is a wonderful scent that would appeal to most people. I also appreciate that it is mid range in price.
Glossier | You
This is hands down my most complimented fragrance.
Juliette Has a Gun | not a perfume
Prequel | Universal Skin Facial Solution Hypochlorous Acid Spray
This stuff smells unreal! It does not soak in quite as quickly as my OSEA body oil, but I absolutely love the experience of using this. I use it on my body for a little glow. I also use it in my hair on my ends.
Everyday Oil
Hair
This is hands down my favorite shampoo at any price point.
Pantene | Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo
It is hard to believe this is silicone free with how soft it leaves my hair.
I thought this was discontinued for a minute but turns out it was just repackaged.
I found the dove intensive repair while waiting and I like that one too!
Nexxus | Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo for Dry Hair with Elastin Protein and Green Caviar - Silicone-Free
Nexxus is still my favorite but this is a close second.
Dove Beauty | Intensive Repair Hair Conditioner Pump with Glutamic Amino Serum & Bio-Protein Care - 28 fl oz
Not to be dramatic but this saved my marriage. My husband is extremely sensitive to fragrances and he can stand to be in the same house as me when I use this getting ready.
L'Oreal Paris | Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Unscented Hair Spray
Did you know there is a difference in a finishing hairspray and a working hairspray? Because I sure didn’t.
This product is for my girls that have a hard time with style hold. I spray this before heat styling, and it not only protects, but helps my ...
Kristin Ess | Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray Light + Flexible Hold with Heat Protectant up to 450°F
I picked up the travel size of this once on vacation after forgetting my mousse and never looked back. It is the most “weightless” mousse I have ever tried. I thought the Kristen Ess version was light in my hair until trying this.
Nexxus | Volume Medium Hold Mousse
Worth the hype and the bottle lasts a surprisingly long time. You don’t need much to make your ends look fabulous
OLAPLEX | No.7 Bonding Hair Oil
I know these are odd to put under the category. But I find my shark hairstyler to be SO LOUD.
I love her, but I’m concerned for my hearing. These are a great fix and also just nice to have.
Loop | Switch 3-in-1
I can’t speak to the Dyson but I love this. I have fine, naturally straight hair. This works for me with the right products. I also like it for the hairdryer portion alone
Shark® |Hair Stylers - Air Stylers & Drying
I usually travel with my shark but I always have this in my bag just in case. It’s so compact but gets the job done! I love having it with my as a safety net.
LOVANI Mini 0.5in Dual Voltage Hair Iron
I just this for slick backs and for taming flyaways with blow outs. It has great hold and does not leave my hair looking too matte or too shiny. I find it fairy undetectable.
For reference I have fine, natural straight blonde hair.
SheaMoisture | Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Defining Styling Hair Gel
I have gone through so many bottles of this!
Bumble and Bumble | Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat Protectant Leave In Conditioner
I did quite a lot of research on heat protectant that actually protect your hair and this one was the winner for me
CHI | Vibes Know It All Multitasking Hair Protector
Travel
I absolutely love this toiletries bag! I appreciate that products can stand up right and the bag is free standing. There is a hook to hang if you want but I find all toiletry bags to be too heavy to hang anyway.
There are a couple of similar versio...
BAGSMART Water-resistant Travel Toiletry Bag
I was devastated when Jo Malone discontinued their scent solids. This is the best travel secret. I love that I do not have to worry about my perfume breaking in my bag AND it does not add to my liquids when traveling
Glossier | You Solid
This is my favorite Jo Malone scent
Jo Malone | wood sage and sea salt travel spray
I purchased this once and now just refill from my main bottle.
I enjoy the shape of CeraVe bottles to traditional refillable travel bottles. I find they fit together nicely and create less wasted space in my limited sized liquids bag or airlines....
CeraVe | Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Face Wash - 3 fl oz
I love this for travel days when my skin is feeling gross and or dehydrated. I also keep one in my car to use after workouts.
Prequel Skin Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray - Travel Size
These take up almost no room in your toiletry bag. I love these for travel
Timeless | Vitamin C Serum w/ E & Ferulic
Travel size version
Allies of Skin | Multi Peptides & GF (Growth Factor) Advanced Lifting Serum 7ml
Unfortunately, I really like this
Marvis | Whitening Mint Travel Toothpaste (1.3 oz.)
Random but I love this. I like that it turns into a normal sized toothbrush but I don’t have to make sure my toiletry bag is long enough to accommodate and full sized one.
Foldable Travel Toothbrush
Travel size of my favorite conditioner
Nexxus | Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo for Dry Hair with Elastin Protein and Green Caviar - Silicone-Free
Not to be dramatic but this saved my marriage. My husband is extremely sensitive to fragrances and he can stand to be in the same house as me when I use this getting ready.
L'Oréal | Elnett Extra Strong Unscented Hairspray - Mini
This is one of my favorite finds ever. The metal part retracts taking up minimal space in my travel bag. It does not poke holes in anything and I can use a smaller toiletry leaving more room for clothes when traveling!!!
Retractable Rat Tail Parting Comb with Stainless Steel Pin
Nexxus | Volumizing Foam Hair Mousse
I did quite a bit of research on heat protectant sprays that actually protect your hair and this one was the winner for me
CHI | Vibes Know It All Multitasking Hair Protector
I usually travel with my shark but I always have this in my bag just in case. It’s so compact but gets the job done! I love having it with my as a safety net.
LOVANI Mini 0.5in Dual Voltage Hair Iron
SPF
Mineral sunscreens are tough. I don’t hate this one for my body. I also keep one in my car for my hands while driving.
Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Body Shield Classic SPF 50
The picture is not featured, but I use the translucent shade that has no pigment. I keep this in my car and in my purse for a touchup throughout the day.
Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield SPF 50
A wonderful primer with SPF, could double as your main SPF on “makeup no makeup” days with a little powder and concealer
ciele cosmetics | Acne-Safe SPF Makeup
This mineral SPF tinted foundation gives truly a skin like finish.
ciele cosmetics | tint & PROTECT SPF 50+
Mineral sunscreens are tough. I don’t hate this one
Prequel | Mineral SPF 50 PA++++ Facial Treatment - SPF 50
Expensive but I do like this mineral sunscreen.
sunbetter SHEER SPF 70 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
I linked the refill that is available at target. I purchased my original bottle from a Japanese website, which I will also link
This is not a mineral only sunscreen, but I absolutely love the texture of this. The pump bottle actually encourages me ...
Nivea UV Super Water Gel EX SPF 50+ PA+++ (Refill)
I also have the refill linked from target.
This bottle comes from Japan!
NIVEA | shop STYLEVANA Japan - UV Super Water Gel SPF50 PA+++ -
Miscellaneous
Metal nail files are elite. This one comes with a cover.
Equate Easy-Grip Fingernail File with Cover
These have come in hands so many times. I keep a pair in my travel bag and one in my car at all times
Folding Scissors